Traditional Braces in Los Alamitos
Traditional metal braces in Los Alamitos have been used for many years to transform smiles and help patients enjoy the best oral health possible. Here in Dr. Poe’s office, we’re proud to offer braces as one of orthodontic services. If you’re ready to take the first step toward achieving a well-aligned bite and straight teeth, contact our office. On the other hand, if you want to know more about braces before you have your consultation, read on to discover how this treatment works and how it may be able to benefit you.
How Do Braces Work?
Your teeth are naturally designed to have a bit of mobility. They’re attached to your bones via ligaments, stretchy tissues that allow your teeth to move very slightly. Braces take advantage of this by applying gentle, continuous pressure to teeth. Over time, your teeth will gradually shift into their proper positions.
Braces consist of metal brackets and wires, which form a snug framework around your teeth. Once your braces are in place, you’ll have to come back to our office every 6 – 8 weeks or so to let your dentist in Los Alamitos them and get your smile that much closer to perfection. Although the overall treatment time for braces varies from patient to patient, 18 – 24 months is average.
What Are the Main Benefits of Braces?
Some of the most outstanding benefits of traditional braces include:
- They are able to address a wide range of orthodontic issues, from the mild to the severe.
- They are more affordable than other orthodontic treatments.
- Once they’re installed on your teeth, they are there to stay until the treatment ends. This is a great advantage for individuals who think they might not be able to remember to wear a removable aligner for the recommended amount of time each day.
- Although traditional have a reputation for being unsightly, that isn’t always true. Ask your dentist about your color options so you can design braces that match your personality.
What Is Daily Life Like With Braces?
Once you get braces, you’ll have to make a few adjustments to your daily routine to make sure your teeth and they stay in good shape. For example, you’ll have to pay more attention than ever to oral hygiene; the last thing you want is for food to stay stuck in your braces, where it will have an opportunity to cause tooth decay. It’s a good idea to keep a toothbrush, toothpaste, and some floss with you at all times so you can clean your mouth after each meal.
You’ll also have to be wary of certain foods that might damage your braces or get lodged in them. Sticky food and chewy foods (like gummy bears, bagel and licorice) are a no-go. It’s also wise to stay away from things you have to bite into with your front teeth, such as corn on the cob. When you’re ready to get your braces, your dentist will provide you with in-depth instructions on how to manage your diet in a way that helps your orthodontic treatment succeed.
Traditional Braces FAQs
Do Traditional Braces Hurt?
To be honest… You will likely experience some soreness toward the beginning of your teeth-straightening journey. As your teeth begin to move, this sensation will lessen. Plus, you’ll learn what works for alleviating discomfort and preventing soft tissue irritation, like sipping on cool water or using dental wax. In other words, you may feel some pressure from time to time from the brackets and wires moving your teeth, but the final results will make it well worth it.
What Can You Not Eat with Traditional Braces?
As you may already know, traditional braces come with some dietary restrictions. Whole apples, thin pizza crust, hard pretzels, raw carrots, and popcorn are a few examples of foods that have the potential of breaking a bracket or wire and, therefore, should be avoided. Fortunately, the list of foods you can eat is significantly longer. So, focus on finding ones that are filling, braces-friendly, and benefit your oral health, like plain yogurt and hard-boiled eggs.
Can You Drink Coffee with Traditional Braces?
You can drink coffee with traditional braces, but you need to use a straw. Otherwise, your teeth and even your brackets and wires can discolor. For the same reason, we recommend sipping on water simultaneously and brushing your teeth about 20 minutes after you’ve finished your cup.
Am I Too Old to Get Braces?
If you didn’t get braces as a teen or young adult, you might be wondering if the ship has sailed on having straight teeth. Fortunately, the answer is “no!” As long as your teeth are healthy, your gums are infection-free, and you’re willing to follow the treatment guidelines we provide, there’s a good chance that you’re a candidate for traditional braces. So, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us. We’d love to help you achieve the gorgeous smile you’ve always wanted.
Can I Get Traditional Braces on Just My Top or Bottom Teeth?
Single-arch treatment is pretty rare. After all, even if your top teeth are straight, moving the bottom ones will affect your bite. Since our goal is to give you straight teeth and a healthy bite, this is something we need to consider for each and every patient. As always, if you have any questions for us about your treatment options, get in touch! We’d be happy to provide you with the answers you’re looking for and explain our recommendations further.
What Happens After You Get Your Braces Off?
We focus on retention. This is crucial because orthodontic relapse is something that upwards of 50% of patients experience, and we don’t want that to happen to you. So, we will take impressions of your teeth, have a custom retainer made, and show you how to take care of it and when to wear it. If you need it repaired or replaced in the future, we can help with that too!